June 28, 2011

Bowing its feathered head Before the roaring flames The phoenix utters Its ancient prayer:

Homage to the great fire! The time has come, The moment has arrived.

I shall leave behind This old beak That pecks constantly At what no longer nourishes, This old voice That croaks the same stale song, These old wings That have forgotten How to soar, Flapping feebly Back and forth Over familiar territory.

I approach this fire With a mind of faith. I embrace this fire With a fearless heart. I endure this fire With a patient spirit.

Through this death I shall find new life. Through this heat I shall cool my mind. Through this suffering I shall find great bliss. In this fire I shall forge my freedom.